Alien Compendium · UAP Craft

Unusual, Exotic and Special-Category UAP Craft

Some reports describe shapes that fit no common type. Witnesses have named eggs, diamonds, boxes, cones, hexagons and stars. A smaller set of reports describes craft that move between air and water, called transmedium or USO reports.

Rare shapes rest on fewer reports, so each entry is thinner than a disc or triangle entry. We show the evidence level plainly and avoid stretching a single sighting into a pattern.

22 entries in 3 sections

Unique & Unusual Shapes

Illustration of Egg-Shaped/Oval Craft, a UAP craft type
8

Egg-Shaped/Oval Craft

First documented1939
LocationVarious
Active period1939–present

Egg-shaped UFOs have been reported since at least 1939, with the most famous incident occurring on April 24, 1964, in Socorro, New Mexico. Police Sergeant Lonnie Zamora witnessed an egg-shaped craft with landing gear, two small beings in white coveralls near the craft, and a red insignia on the craft's side before it lifted off with blue flames. The case was investigated by Project Blue Book's J. Allen Hynek, the Air Force, and FBI. Physical evidence included burnt bushes and landing gear impressions. Approximately 1,300 egg-shaped and 6,500 oval-shaped UFO reports were documented between 2001-2017.

Operational characteristics

Vertical takeoff/landing capabilityBlue or multi-colored flames during propulsionLoud roaring during takeoffSilent hovering

Key sightings

Socorro (1964)Levelland, Texas (November 1957)Valensole, France (1965)
Illustration of Diamond/Rhombus Craft, a UAP craft type
9

Diamond/Rhombus Craft

First documentedDecember 29, 1980
LocationHuffman, Texas, USA
Active period1970s–present

Diamond-shaped UFOs produced one of the most medically significant cases in UFO history: the Cash-Landrum Incident. Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Colby Landrum witnessed a diamond or kite-shaped craft, large as a water tower, dull metallic/aluminum-colored, emitting intense flames from the bottom and producing extreme heat. Approximately 23 helicopters, including CH-47 Chinooks, appeared to be escorting the object. The incident resulted in severe health consequences: Betty Cash developed cancer, required multiple surgeries, and lost her hair; both women were hospitalized with symptoms consistent with radiation exposure.

Operational characteristics

Intense flames from bottomExtreme heat emissionSlow rotationMilitary helicopter escort reported

Key sightings

December 29, 1980: Cash-Landrum Incident, Huffman, Texas
Illustration of Rectangular/Box Craft, a UAP craft type
10

Rectangular/Box Craft

First documentedSporadic reports
LocationVarious
Active periodSporadic

Rectangular or box-shaped UFOs represent one of the less common configurations. These craft appear as geometric rectangular solids, sometimes compared to shipping containers or buildings. Reports describe varying sizes from small to enormous. The unusual shape challenges conventional understanding of aerodynamics, as rectangular forms are typically not associated with flight. Some researchers have noted an increase in such sightings in recent years.

Operational characteristics

Non-aerodynamic rectangular formHovering capability despite shapeVarious sizes reportedSometimes described with visible panels or seams

Key sightings

Sporadic reports worldwide
Illustration of Cone-Shaped/Conical Hat Craft, a UAP craft type
11

Cone-Shaped/Conical Hat Craft

First documented1950s
LocationVarious
Active period1950s–present

Cone-shaped or conical UFOs appear as three-dimensional cone shapes, sometimes compared to witches' hats or ice cream cones. The configuration may appear with the point up or down. Some reports describe the craft as rotating or spinning around its vertical axis. This shape is relatively uncommon compared to disc or triangular forms but has been consistently reported over decades.

Operational characteristics

Three-dimensional cone shapeMay rotate around vertical axisPoint up or down orientationSometimes with visible lights

Key sightings

Various reports since 1950s
Illustration of Jellyfish UAP, a UAP craft type
12

Jellyfish UAP

First documented2018
LocationMiddle East (US military base)
Active period2018–present

The Jellyfish UAP represents one of the more recent and unusual categories to gain attention. Named for their resemblance to marine jellyfish, these objects appear to have a dome-like upper portion with trailing tendrils or appendages below. Military footage from a US base in the Middle East captured an object matching this description moving across the installation. The objects demonstrate unusual movement patterns that some observers compare to the pulsing locomotion of actual jellyfish.

Operational characteristics

Dome-like upper portion with trailing appendagesUnusual pulsing movement patternThermal imaging detectionLow-altitude observation

Key sightings

2018: US military base in Middle East - Thermal footage of jellyfish-like object
Illustration of Acorn/Bell-Shaped Craft, a UAP craft type
13

Acorn/Bell-Shaped Craft

First documentedDecember 9, 1965
LocationKecksburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Active period1965–present

The most famous acorn or bell-shaped UFO incident occurred in Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, when a brilliant fireball was seen over six U.S. states and Ontario, Canada. Witnesses reported a controlled landing in the woods, describing a bronze-colored, acorn-shaped object roughly the size of a small car with hieroglyphic-like markings around its base. Military personnel rapidly secured the site and removed an object on a flatbed truck. The incident has been compared to the alleged Nazi 'Die Glocke' (The Bell) project. Despite official explanations of a meteor, witnesses maintain a structured craft was recovered.

Operational characteristics

Bronze or metallic colorHieroglyphic-like markingsControlled landing capabilitySize of small car

Key sightings

December 9, 1965: Kecksburg, PA - Fireball seen over six states, acorn-shaped object recovered
Illustration of Crescent/Half-Moon Craft, a UAP craft type
14

Crescent/Half-Moon Craft

First documentedJune 24, 1947
LocationMount Rainier, Washington, USA
Active period1947–present

Crescent or half-moon shaped craft were among the original objects reported by Kenneth Arnold in his landmark 1947 sighting. Arnold described one of the nine objects as distinctly different from the others, appearing crescent or heel-shaped. This configuration has been reported periodically since, sometimes described as resembling a boomerang but with a more curved, lunar appearance. The shape may represent a variant of the flying wing design.

Operational characteristics

Curved crescent or half-moon profileHigh-speed capabilityOften reported in formation with other shapesMay appear as variation of boomerang

Key sightings

June 24, 1947: Kenneth Arnold sighting - one of nine objects was crescent-shaped
Illustration of Dome-Shaped/Flying Dome, a UAP craft type
23

Dome-Shaped/Flying Dome

First documentedNovember 9, 1979
LocationDechmont Law, Livingston, Scotland
Active period1970s–present

Dome-shaped craft appear as hemispherical or half-sphere objects, often described as resembling an inverted bowl or dome. The Robert Taylor incident craft was described as a 'flying dome' that was aluminum-colored, whitish against the mesa background. The case became the first (and only) UFO sighting to be subject of a criminal investigation in the UK. A commemorative plaque was installed at the site in 1992. Taylor reported the craft emitted two smaller 'sea mine'-like spheres that attempted to drag him toward it.

Operational characteristics

Hemispherical shapeHovering capabilityMay emit smaller objectsAssociated with physical effects on witnessesCan emit foul odors ('burning brakes')

Key sightings

November 9, 1979: Livingston, Scotland - Robert Taylor encountered dome with two figures in white overalls
Illustration of Cross-Shaped Craft, a UAP craft type
25

Cross-Shaped Craft

First documentedApril 14, 1561
LocationNuremberg, Germany
Active period1561–present (sporadic)

The 1561 Nuremberg celestial phenomenon was documented in a famous broadsheet with woodcut illustration by Hans Glaser. The event described an 'aerial battle' at dawn featuring hundreds of spheres, cylinders, crosses, and other shapes emerging 'from the sun.' Cross-shaped craft appear with four arms extending from a central point, sometimes with spheres at the ends of each arm. Carl Jung analyzed the Nuremberg event as having archetypal symbolic meaning. The NUFORC database contains 356 'cross' shape entries.

Operational characteristics

Four arms extending from central pointSometimes with spheres at arm endsHistorical accounts describe erratic movementOften reported alongside other shapes

Key sightings

April 14, 1561: Nuremberg, Germany - Mass sighting of various shapes including crosses1566: Basel, Switzerland - Similar mass sighting
Illustration of Formation Lights/Grid Craft, a UAP craft type
26

Formation Lights/Grid Craft

First documentedJune 24, 1947
LocationGlobal
Active period1947–present

This category encompasses sightings of multiple lights or objects flying in coordinated formation, maintaining consistent spacing and moving as a single unit. Formations may be linear, V-shaped, triangular grid patterns, or other geometric arrangements. The Phoenix Lights (1997) demonstrated both a V-formation of lights and what appeared to be lights attached to a massive single craft. Some formation sightings may represent single large craft with lights at vertices rather than multiple separate objects.

Operational characteristics

Precise geometric spacing maintainedSynchronized movementMay transition between formation typesIndividual lights may separate and rejoinOften cover massive areas

Key sightings

March 13, 1997: Phoenix Lights - V-formation stretching across ArizonaModern drone swarm sightings have complicated identification

Special Categories

Illustration of USO/Transmedium Craft, a UAP craft type
20

USO/Transmedium Craft

First documented11th century
LocationNorthumberland coast, England
Active period11th century–present

USO (Unidentified Submerged Object) reports date back to the 11th century when English witnesses reported seeing a fiery object that 'revolved, ascended on high, and then descended into the sea,' repeatedly reappearing off the Northumberland coast. Transmedium craft are defined by their ability to transition seamlessly between air and water without any change in speed, splash, or cavitation effects. The USS Nimitz 'Tic Tac' was observed above a churning disturbance in the ocean. As of August 2025, the Enigma app has logged over 9,000 USO sightings within 10 miles of U.S. coastlines.

Operational characteristics

Seamless transition between air and waterNo splash or wake when entering waterUnderwater speeds of hundreds of miles per hourSome reports of craft 'splitting in two' underwaterNo cavitation effects despite extreme underwater velocity

Key sightings

November 2004: USS Nimitz encounterJuly 15, 2019: USS Omaha - 6-foot sphere filmed entering water without splashApril 2013: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico - Object entered water, resurfaced, split in two1960: Canadian NATO mission - Divers reported craft on seafloor with humanoid occupants
Illustration of Ancient/Historical UAP, a UAP craft type
30

Ancient/Historical UAP

First documented1088 CE
LocationYangzhou, Anhui and Jiangsu provinces, China
Active periodAntiquity–present

Chinese polymath Shen Kuo (1031-1095) recorded eyewitness testimony of a flying object 'shaped like a pearl' with opening doors that would 'shine a blinding light from its interior that would cast shadows from trees for ten miles in radius.' This represents one of the earliest detailed descriptions of a structured craft with internal illumination. The account predates modern UFO phenomenon by nearly a millennium and describes technological characteristics consistent with modern structured craft reports.

Operational characteristics

Doors that could open and closeInterior light source of extreme brightnessCapable of tremendous speedsRepeated appearances over same region

Key sightings

1088 CE: Yangzhou, China - 'Pearl'-shaped craft with blinding interior light249-12 BCE: Julius Obsequens compiled accounts of aerial phenomena over Rome1561: Nuremberg, Germany mass sighting1566: Basel, Switzerland mass sighting

Exotic & Rare Configurations

Illustration of Adamski-Type Scout Ship, a UAP craft type
31

Adamski-Type Scout Ship

First documentedDecember 13, 1952
LocationDesert Center, California, USA
Active period1952–present

Named after contactee George Adamski, this distinctive craft type features a bell-shaped or domed disc with three large spheres on the underside (landing gear) and a prominent dome on top. Adamski photographed what he claimed was a Venusian scout ship. The design has been reported by independent witnesses who had no knowledge of Adamski's claims, featuring portholes around the rim and a glowing appearance.

Operational characteristics

Bell or dome-shaped upper sectionThree spherical landing gear protrusionsPortholes or windows around rimGlowing or luminous appearanceHumming sound when operating

Key sightings

December 1952: Adamski's Desert Center photographs1950s-60s: Multiple European witnesses reported similar craftStephen Darbishire photograph, UK (1954)
Illustration of Hexagonal Craft, a UAP craft type
32

Hexagonal Craft

First documented1980s
LocationVarious
Active period1980s–present

Six-sided craft that appear as flat hexagonal platforms or three-dimensional hexagonal prisms. These unusual configurations challenge conventional aerodynamics. Some witnesses describe them as rotating slowly while stationary. The hexagonal shape appears less frequently than triangles or discs but has been documented in multiple countries.

Operational characteristics

Six-sided geometric formOften observed rotatingMultiple lights at verticesSilent operationHovering capability

Key sightings

Various reports from 1980s onwardsHudson Valley sightings included hexagonal variants
Illustration of Octagonal/Polygon Craft, a UAP craft type
33

Octagonal/Polygon Craft

First documented1990s
LocationVarious
Active period1990s–present

Multi-sided craft with eight or more sides, appearing as complex geometric shapes. These may represent advanced versions of triangular craft or entirely different designs. Some witnesses describe the craft as appearing to shift between different polygon configurations, suggesting possible dimensional or optical properties.

Operational characteristics

Eight or more sidesComplex geometric appearanceMay appear to shift shapeOften very largeAssociated with military installations

Key sightings

Various military base proximity sightingsPhoenix Lights witnesses described polygon configurations
Illustration of Star-Shaped Craft, a UAP craft type
34

Star-Shaped Craft

First documented1970s
LocationVarious
Active period1970s–present

Craft appearing as five or six-pointed star shapes, with arms radiating from a central body. These may feature lights at each point of the star. The unusual configuration has been reported rarely but consistently over decades. Some descriptions suggest the 'arms' may be extendable or retractable.

Operational characteristics

Radiating arm configurationLights at each pointCentral body or hubMay rotate while stationaryArms may extend or retract

Key sightings

Scattered reports from 1970s-presentSome European sightings of star configurations
Illustration of Double-Disc/Stacked Disc, a UAP craft type
35

Double-Disc/Stacked Disc

First documented1950s
LocationVarious
Active period1950s–present

Craft appearing as two discs stacked vertically, sometimes with a visible gap between them. The configuration may rotate with discs spinning in opposite directions. Some witnesses describe energy or light emanating from between the two disc sections. This may represent a propulsion system configuration.

Operational characteristics

Two disc sectionsCounter-rotating componentsLight/energy between sectionsCentral axis visibleHigh-speed rotation

Key sightings

Multiple 1950s-60s reportsEuropean and American witnesses independently described similar craft
Illustration of Mushroom-Shaped Craft, a UAP craft type
36

Mushroom-Shaped Craft

First documented1954
LocationFrance (1954 wave)
Active period1954–present

Craft with a dome on top of a cylindrical or disc-shaped lower section, resembling a mushroom profile. During the famous 1954 French UFO wave, multiple witnesses described craft matching this configuration. The design may relate to cockpit or observation dome requirements. Sometimes described with a 'stem' extending downward.

Operational characteristics

Dome upper sectionCylindrical or disc lower bodyMay have extending 'stem'Often landed craftAssociated with entity sightings

Key sightings

1954 French wave - multiple mushroom craft reportsVarious South American sightings
Illustration of Top/Gyroscope Shape, a UAP craft type
37

Top/Gyroscope Shape

First documented1950s
LocationVarious
Active period1950s–present

Craft resembling a spinning top or gyroscope, with a wide middle section tapering to points at top and bottom. These craft are often described as spinning rapidly around their vertical axis. The gyroscopic motion may relate to propulsion or stabilization. Some reports describe them landing on the pointed bottom section.

Operational characteristics

Tapered at both endsWide middle sectionRapid spinning motionMay land on bottom pointOften metallic silver

Key sightings

Multiple witnesses across decadesEuropean and American reports
Illustration of Hourglass/Double Cone, a UAP craft type
38

Hourglass/Double Cone

First documented1960s
LocationVarious
Active period1960s–present

Craft consisting of two cones joined at their points, creating an hourglass profile. These rare configurations may rotate around the central junction point. Some witnesses describe glowing at the narrow central section where the cones meet. The design suggests possible energy focus or generation at the junction.

Operational characteristics

Two cone sectionsNarrow central junctionRotation around centerGlowing at junction pointSymmetric appearance

Key sightings

Scattered reports worldwideSome African sightings
Illustration of Plasma Sphere, a UAP craft type
39

Plasma Sphere (Structured)

First documented1940s
LocationGlobal
Active period1940s–present

Distinguished from luminous orbs, these are spherical craft that appear to be contained plasma or energy within a structured field or shell. The surface may show patterns, grids, or containment field effects. These may represent energy-based propulsion or beings of pure energy within technological containment. Related to but distinct from ball lightning.

Operational characteristics

Contained plasma appearanceVisible field structureColor changesGeometric patterns on surfaceElectromagnetic effects nearby

Key sightings

Hessdalen lights (ongoing)Various military encountersFoo Fighter classifications
Illustration of Morphing/Shapeshifting Craft, a UAP craft type
40

Morphing/Shapeshifting Craft

First documentedVarious
LocationGlobal
Active periodVarious–present

Craft observed changing shape during observation - from disc to sphere, from triangle to diamond, or through more radical transformations. This phenomenon may represent interdimensional properties, advanced metamaterial technology, or perception manipulation. Some researchers suggest these are single craft observed at different 'phase' states.

Operational characteristics

Observable shape changesTransitions between known typesMay split into multiple objectsMay merge from multiple to oneReality-bending appearance

Key sightings

Numerous reports worldwideSkinwalker Ranch observationsMilitary pilot testimonies